“Rolf Hess: The Swiss Visionary Fueling British Women’s Cycling Ambitions”

In the early eighties, Rolf Hess found himself at a business dinner in Zurich, facing the humiliation of not knowing the price of the dollar. Fast forward to today, and he’s the financial controller turned private equity group owner with a grand vision: to revolutionize women’s cycling and make his eponymous squad the first British team in the Women’s World Tour. Hess dreams of seeing his team consistently conquer the Tour de France Femmes, much like the legendary Team Sky/Ineos era from 2012 to 2019.

In a candid conversation at a coffee house in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Hess shared his passion for women’s sports. He believes that women’s sports, exemplified by the remarkable rise of women’s football in recent years, signify a significant societal shift. He’s not just in it for the commercial gains, although he acknowledges the potential there. Hess genuinely wants to champion women in professional sports.

Hess, originally from the German-Swiss border, has long called London home, and his business empire spans diverse industries. From oil and gas production to water purification and makeup, his portfolio is nothing short of eclectic. But what sets him apart is his vision of synergy between his brands and the cycling team. Hess aims to support his riders not only on the road but also in their personal development. He encourages them to pursue studies while racing and even create personalized consumer products, provided they are active on social media.

The unique proposition doesn’t stop there. Hess has a perfume company in his group, and riders who show interest can craft their fragrance, ensuring they receive remuneration post-career. It’s a novel approach to nurturing talent and creating a lasting connection between athletes and sponsors.

Now, what can the Hess team achieve in cycling? Hess is resolute about raising the team’s budget to around five million euros within five years, with much of it coming from his own pocket. Currently operating with a budget of 750,000 euros in their inaugural year, Hess recognizes that they’re building something from scratch. Sponsorships will come into play in 2024, with a focus on the British market. To succeed, they need support from the British market.

To become an official British team, they’re awaiting a UK license from British Cycling, which they expect to secure soon. The team is already in the process of assembling a roster of up-and-coming and experienced riders, with 17-year-old Briton Holly Ramsey being one of the first recruits.

So why women’s cycling, and why Britain? Women’s cycling is on the rise, enjoying increased TV airtime and a resurgence of the Tour de France Femmes. The UCI reports rising salaries and team budgets, with more applications for teams than available licenses. It’s a sport poised for growth, and the Hess team aims to be at the forefront of this transformation.

Hess’s passion for cycling is evident, and he sees the potential in the UK, a nation known for its sporting fervor. He believes in Britain’s openness to gender equality, a sentiment shared by fellow cycling team owner Jim Ratcliffe of Ineos Grenadiers. For Hess, owning a cycling team is not just about being part of the crowd; it’s about innovation and a unique approach to the sport.

As Rolf Hess embarks on his journey to reshape women’s cycling, he’s not just building a team; he’s crafting a new paradigm, one that combines athleticism, business acumen, and a commitment to social change. The road ahead may be challenging, but with Hess’s vision and determination, the future of British women’s cycling looks brighter than ever.

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More about Women’s Cycling Revolution

• Rolf Hess: Meet the Swiss Entrepreneur
• Women’s Cycling on the Rise
• British Cycling’s Role in Women’s Cycling
• Innovation in Sports Sponsorship
• Tour de France Femmes Resurgence
• Jim Ratcliffe of Ineos Grenadiers